HomeHere are excellent instructions for upgrading memory on HP Pavilion zv5000 series laptops in seven relatively easy steps. I found links to the disassembly pictures while reading comments on Ask Laptop Freak site and decided to compile them into a guide. Upgrading memory on this laptop could be tricky because one of the memory expansion slots is located under the keyboard. According to HP specifications for zv5000 you can install 2 memory modules up to 1GB each. You should use PC2700 333MHz memory modules.
STEP 1.
First of all, you can add one memory module into the expansion slot on the bottom of the laptop.
Enlarge image 1.
STEP 2.
Remove seven screws pointed with red arrows.
STEP 3.
Carefully lift up the keyboard cover. You’ll have play with the cover in order to release plastic latches.
Enlarge image 3.
STEP 4.
Remove four screws securing the keyboard.
STEP 5.
Carefully lift up the keyboard. You don’t have to disconnect the keyboard from the motherboard in order to access the memory expansion slot. Just turn the keyboard over and place it upside down on the palm rest.
Enlarge image 5.
STEP 6.
Here’s the memory slot you are looking for.
Enlarge image 6.
STEP 7.
Spread latches on both sides of the memory module and remove the old 256MB module and install a new one.
HP Pavilion zv5000 laptops will not take more then 2GB (1GB module in each slot).
Enlarge image 7.
UPDATE: HP Pavilion zv5000 LCD removal and backlight replacement instructions
November 2nd, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Really appreciate the help, but you really only need to remove 3 screws to remove the top faceplate in order to get to the keyboard screws, thus allowing access to the memory slot underneath the keyboard. This comes straight out of the HP manual(Sec. 5.9). No real foul removing the extra screws, you just run the added chance of loss of screws, as the 2 on the hinges are very tiny, and do not need to be removed.
October 27th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Put back the old memory and boot it up again. If that works then you have bad memory. I had to replace mine after running into same issue.
October 17th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Tom A,
Again, according to HP specifications for zv5000 you can install 2 memory modules up to 1GB each. You should use PC2700 333MHz memory modules.
You have two memory slots in your laptop. One located on the bottom and another one under the keyboard.
Each rectangular thing should be 1GB.
If you want to upgrade to 2GB, you’ll have to buy two 1GB modules. Two rectangular things.
Sometimes memory sold as 2GB pair. There are two 1GB modules in one package. It depends where you buy it.
Location of the first memory slot shown in the step 1.
Location of the second memory slot shown in the step 6.
October 17th, 2010 at 8:44 am
Looks great but I am slightly confused as I am a computer novice. Sounds like I should purchase 2GB or the “pair” to be safe? Are these 2 separate little rectangular disks or one?
So I need to purchase “2 GB of PC2700 memory for my HP Pavilion zv 5000″ ?
Last, the RED arrow is where the replacement goes? The white text-cloud throws me off a little.
Sorry, but my first time in for this addition of RAMThanks,
TA
October 15th, 2010 at 2:21 am
Just fitted the second 1gb memory chip under the keyboard as instructed and BINGO! works great! Thanks fot the picture by picture instructions – couldn’t have done it without you!
October 12th, 2010 at 4:36 am
I too have had the problem when upgrading the bottom memory module only on a zv5169EA to 1GB the operating sysytem starts up but dies after a very short while. Sent the memory back to the supplier for a replacement and when fitted produced exactly the same problem so looks like I may need another 1GB to “pair” the memory slots. Incidentally both times the BIOS saw the 1GB without a problem.
October 4th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
After I put in BOTH 1GB replacements the computer runs great. Guess I needed to “Pair” the system. Thank you for the picture by picture instructions.
September 27th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Karin,
Maybe defective memory module?
1. Try reconnecting the module and test it again.
2. Run Memtest86+ to test memory.
September 24th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Hello Steve,
I upgrade one 256 to 1GB. Any idea why now my HP laptop locks up after I am on the Internet for 2-3 minutes? Outlook and office are no problem. Any suggestions on how to fix it?
Thanks…
September 20th, 2010 at 8:46 am
thanks a lot your instructions was very helpful for me.thanks!